Weather and Environmental Awareness

Scientist Kate introduces a lesson on weather and climate for grade three students. The lesson explores orangutan habitats in Sumatra and Borneo, highlighting the threats they face from palm oil production. Students learn about wildlife protection efforts and the role of meteorologists in predicting weather. An activity encourages students to observe and classify weather conditions using their senses. The lesson concludes with a reflection on how meteorology can aid in conservation decisions.

What are the two items you need for this lesson?

• A textbook and a highlighter

• A ruler and a pencil

• A calculator and a notebook

• A pen and a notepad

On which two islands do orangutans naturally live?

• Madagascar and Seychelles

• Java and Bali

• Sumatra and Borneo

• New Guinea and Tasmania

Why are the forests in Sumatra and Borneo being destroyed?

• To build new cities

• To create space for palm oil plantations

• To build highways

• To mine for gold

What is the purpose of an orangutan reserve?

• To train orangutans for circus acts

• To protect orangutans from hunters and habitat destruction

• To provide a tourist attraction

• To sell orangutans as pets

What is a meteorologist?

• A scientist who studies rocks

• A scientist who studies the weather

• A scientist who studies plants

• A scientist who studies animals

How do meteorologists predict the weather?

• By analyzing data and looking for patterns

• By consulting with astrologers

• By using a crystal ball

• By guessing based on past experiences

What does the term 'precipitation' refer to?

• The amount of sunlight

• Water that falls to the earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail

• The speed of the wind

• The temperature of the air

Which of the following is NOT a type of precipitation?

• Rain

• Snow

• Wind

• Hail

What are the three main aspects of weather that were observed in the activity?

• Humidity, wind, and sunlight

• Temperature, precipitation, and wind

• Pressure, sunlight, and temperature

• Temperature, humidity, and pressure

What was the weather like in Seattle during the observation?

• Warm and windy

• Cold and snowy

• Cool with a light breeze

• Hot and rainy